Love Island’s George shares new statement after abruptly exiting villa over ‘personal’ circumstance

Love Island star George Knight has shared a new statement after abruptly leaving the villa last week.

ITV confirmed his departure in a surprise statement earlier, stating the 28-year-old footballer from Basingstoke had left due to 'private reasons' after arriving as a bombshell.

He posted a brief statement himself on Instagram, explaining that the decision to leave the villa was due to a family matter, while asking fans to respect his call for privacy.

The reality TV contestant has now shared another video thanking all the viewers for their supportive messages over the last few days.

In an Instagram video, he said: "Hello, everyone. Just wanted to take a moment and come on and say a massive, massive thank you to every single person who has reached out over the past two days, wishing me their love, their support, and all their well wishes.

George Knight left the villa abruptly (ITV)

"It has been completely overwhelming, and I am trying to get back to every message, which is pretty, pretty much impossible. But thank you so much."

He added: "And I think moments like this give you a massive kind of perspective on the bigger picture, and as fun and as great my six days in the villa were, it's obviously important for me to be here with my family, so thank you so much.

"It's, it's been, as I said, completely overwhelming, and a massive thank you to all of ITV's welfare team and the execs who have been amazing. Hopefully it's not the last you see of me, and looking forward to the year ahead, and yeah, thanks again, guys."

George made his big debut on day two as a bombshell alongside Yasmin Hadlow. He is a semi-professional footballer who currently plays for Dorking Wanderers FC.

ITV confirmed his exit a few days later. Fellow Islander Lorenzo Alessi informed the group that George had chosen to leave for 'private reasons'

In his first statement, George said: "Family comes first, always."

George and Yasmin (ITV)

"Leaving the @loveisland Villa was a decision made in order to be with my family. Out of respect for them, I’d prefer not to go into any further detail.

"Thank you to everyone who has reached out with kind messages and support! It genuinely means a lot."

Fans were quick to show their support in the comments, with one telling the former Islander: "Such a shame, would have loved to see you connect with someone. But family ALWAYS comes first. Much love."

Someone else echoed: "You did what you needed to do and we all respect that we all hope your [sic] okay and your family."

A third added: "Huge respect man. You did yourself proud mate."